Early 2019 NFL Draft Prospect Top 50 Rankings

The 2018 NFL Draft is still fresh in everyone’s minds, but the work has already begun by pro scouts and analysts alike for the 2019 edition. In looking at Athlon Sports’ early top 50 prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft, two things jump out right away – it’s heavy on defensive players and there are quite a few Clemson Tigers.

Clemson, which has been a College Football Playoff participant each of the past three seasons and won the national title a year ago, leads the way with seven players in the top 50. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the No. 1 overall prospect with fellow linemen Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell joining him in the top 10. Defending national champion Alabama is well represented with four players, followed by Miami, Ohio State and Wisconsin with three each.

In 2017, our No. 1 prospect a year out was USC quarterback Sam Darnold, who went third overall to the New York Jets this past Thursday. Looking ahead to the 2019 draft, the first skill position player is Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown (above, right), who is ranked ninth. Missouri’s Drew Lock is the first quarterback on this list, checking in at No. 14. Of the top 20, 13 are defensive or offensive linemen.

There’s no question this list will change, especially once college football returns this fall. However, don’t be surprised to hear plenty of these names when the 2019 NFL Draft gets started next April 25.

Early 2019 NFL Draft Prospect Top 50 Rankings